4 Spotted laurel

AUCUBA JAPONICA, ZONES 7 TO 10

Spotted laurel features 8-inch-long evergreen leaves marked with bright yellow spots. The plant is quite large, reaching between 6 and 10 feet tall. Small purple blooms open in early spring.

It grows well in nutritionally poor Why we love it: soils and tolerates drought and air pollution. Plus, it adds interest to any shady, dry area.